There seems to be whole lot of subjects I know nothing about, and one of them is the recent article in the Banner, about Whizwheels planned withdrawal from Hastings, and Barry County.
Although the article leads one to believe it was inevitable that they would go to Kent County, in search of a growing customer base, it also leaves the impression that the Wiswells could have been convinced to stay.
The two main reasons for leaving stated by Jack Wiswell in the article were the growing bike trail system in Grand Rapids (due to Fred Meijers' generosity), and the lack of buildings in this area of the size they needed.
Of course the goal of business is to make money, so nobody could fault a company for leaving to greener pastures. But with that goal in mind I have to wonder why there was room left open to consider staying here. As far as I know there are no means bye which the city, or county can compete with the bike trail and the customer base it will provide.
After that, the second reason appears to be of little consequence, doesn't it?
It appears as though someone dropped ball somewhere, and more information would shed some light on a possible communication problem by city officials. We can't afford to lose jobs in this community.
That being said, I wonder if there was an intentional lack of response by the city?
The statements by Mr. Wiswell lead me to believe they were fishing for handouts from the city, or county. Let me make this clear: I am not saying that is what was happening here , but one has to wonder if the city would be in any kind of position to make such promises.
Are the coffers of this municipality such that we could afford to extend bargains to growing companies with their own capitol?
Was there really room for an agreement between these two parties, that would have netted more jobs for the city , and county , without expense to taxpayers?
Anyone with more information, and answers to my misinformed questions, please set me straight.
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